Richard Colbeck
Liberal Party Senator for TAS
Currently sitting
Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (2)
- Liberal Party - TAS (Senate) - 9 Feb 2018 to present
- Liberal Party - TAS (Senate) - 4 Feb 2002 to 9 May 2016
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Office: (03) 6424 5960
5-7 Best Street, Devonport TAS 7310
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaThese counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Richard Colbeck compared with all 76 sitting senators.
Questions asked in Question Time
Lower than 53% of senators- This member
- 9
- Average
- 10.4
- Median
- 10
Debates spoken in
Higher than 59% of senators- This member
- 45
- Average
- 44.8
- Median
- 40
Votes cast
Lower than 62% of senators- This member
- 651
- Average
- 743.0
- Median
- 730
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 64% of senators- This member
- 58%
- Average
- 69%
- Median
- 69%
Read these with care
- The median is the middle member: half did more, half did less. It is less affected by a few very active members than the average.
- Ministers answer questions rather than ask them, and the presiding officers rarely vote, so their patterns differ.
- Government backbenchers are often given arranged "Dorothy Dixer" questions, which raises their question counts.
- Votes only record ayes and noes, so a missed vote cannot be told apart from a pair (an agreed absence).
- Counts cover only what is on this site, and do not measure electorate or committee work. New members have less history.
Question Time
Question from Richard Colbeck
The senator asked how the government could justify the algorithm's decision to deny additional support to a deteriorating 96-year-old. He asked if the government believed this was the best outcome and why it rejected a bill allowing human override of the algorithm.
Background: A 96-year-old woman with serious health needs was denied additional funding by the government's assessment algorithm, a decision criticized by experts as flawed.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the specific case has been referred to the department for review. She highlighted two improvements to the assessment system: a rapid review of prioritization and a legislated review process for changing care levels. She noted an additional $3.7 billion investment in aged care in the budget. She did not directly answer whether the specific outcome was correct, instead emphasizing the government's commitment to dignity and the ongoing refinement of the system.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The senator asked why Tas Farmers had not received a response to his letters regarding the Rushy Lagoon farm purchase. He followed up by asking when the government would respond to concerns about the deal. Finally, he asked why the government would not reject the deal.
Background: Senator Colbeck wrote to the Treasurer expressing concern about the Clean Energy Finance Corporation subsidising the purchase of Rushy Lagoon farm by a foreign investment company. He noted Tas Farmers had received no response.
Answer from Katy Gallagher
The minister stated she was not aware of the specific issue or the status of the response. She undertook to take the matter on notice, consult the Treasurer's office, and return to the senator directly with further information. She repeated this commitment in response to subsequent questions.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The senator asked how many times the Prime Minister could break his election promises regarding tax policy. He accused the government of making a 'dirty deal' with the Greens to implement higher taxes.
Background: The Prime Minister had previously stated that negative gearing and capital gains tax changes were off the table, but the government was now proceeding with reforms.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated that the government had been upfront about changing policy to address housing affordability and help young people enter the market. She argued that the status quo was unacceptable and that action was needed to benefit Australians. She criticised the opposition for having no answers to housing affordability issues. In response to supplementary questions, she reiterated that the government was acting on wages, energy prices, and tax to help those struggling. She accused the opposition of preparing to support increased levies on employees and locking Australians out of the housing market, contrasting this with the government's focus on delivering real change.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The member asked if the minister could guarantee that Australia would not run out of fuel supplies. He followed up by asking if Australians would be forced to ration fuel and when prices would return to pre-conflict levels.
Background: Concerns persisted about the potential for total fuel shortages and rationing in Australia.
Answer from Penny Wong
The minister stated she could not guarantee specific outcomes but affirmed the government would do all it could to shield Australians from uncertainty. She emphasised the need for cooperation between government, business, and communities. Regarding rationing, she noted that supply and distribution matters were being actively managed through National Cabinet and the Fuel Supply Taskforce. She stated that global markets would not return to pre-conflict levels immediately after the conflict ended, implying that price reductions would not be immediate or guaranteed to match previous lows.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The member asked why diesel was unavailable for fishing boats if national fuel supplies were robust. He requested evidence of hoarding or supply chain bottlenecks and asked what actions the government had taken to ensure fuel reached regional communities and industries.
Background: The government claimed strong national fuel supplies, while fishing industry participants reported severe diesel shortages.
Answer from Tim Ayres
The minister stated that national fuel stocks remained stable, with 1.56 billion litres of petrol and 2.97 billion litres of diesel available, unchanged since the Middle East conflict began. He attributed regional shortages to unusual purchasing behaviour and a 40 per cent spike in demand reported by the National Farmers' Federation, rather than a supply deficit. The minister announced that fuel supply data would be released weekly to improve transparency and noted that industry was working to communicate effectively with the community to manage purchasing behaviour.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The senator asked why the government refused to release data on land clearing for renewable projects, suggesting it exposed environmental hypocrisy. He followed up by asking if the government was reckless or hiding the numbers. He also asked if the minister had updated figures on the 9.75 billion square metres of land approved for clearance.
Background: The senator asked why the government had not released data on the hectares of native vegetation cleared for renewable energy projects.
Answer from Murray Watt
The minister suggested the senator's question was politically motivated given his past support for renewable projects. He stated that the question related to matters prior to his tenure and he could not shed light on it. He denied that the government was reckless or hiding numbers. When asked for specific figures, he stated he did not have them.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The member asked how many recommendations from the report had been implemented and when the work would be completed. He specifically highlighted Recommendation 5.3 regarding multisite services, noting that two centres in Tasmania faced closure due to non-implementation.
Background: The senator referenced a previous statement by the minister regarding the implementation of findings from the Productivity Commission report on child care.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister stated that the government was implementing recommendations, citing a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators. She attributed the issue regarding the specific centres to a decision by the Tasmanian regulator. In response to the claim that it was a federal regulation, she highlighted the government's investment of one billion dollars in the Building Early Education Fund to increase supply in underserved regions.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The member asked why a first-year nursing student was ineligible for paid prac and how many other students would be excluded due to means tests and hour rules.
Background: A nursing student claimed he was ineligible for paid practical training due to government rules, despite promises of support for students.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister said she did not know the particular student's situation but confirmed paid placements were helping in her area. She pointed out that the Commonwealth placement payment began on 1 July 2025 and would assist approximately 68,000 qualifying students each year. She claimed the government was fulfilling its pledge for nursing, midwifery, social work, and education students, helping tens of thousands more than the opposition would have.
Question from Richard Colbeck
The senator asked why the government was closing multi-educator family day care services in areas with long waiting lists, citing a specific case in Latrobe and another in Devonport.
Background: The senator raised concerns about specific family day care services in Latrobe and Devonport, Tasmania, facing closure due to regulatory reviews, impacting 50 and 33 children respectively.
Answer from Jess Walsh
The minister stated she was not familiar with the specific cases mentioned but offered to seek further information. She emphasised the government's commitment to implementing the Productivity Commission review findings, including a $3.6 billion investment in early childhood educator wages to stabilise the workforce. She argued this approach improves access to quality care in underserved areas, contrasting it with previous government policies.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Manufacturing Industry
Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) (Extending Support and Strengthening Safety) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Denman, Ms Kay Janet
Senate · Monday 14 September 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Aged Care
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; In Committee
Senate · Monday 17 August 2026 · In Committee
Opened this debate
-
Taxation, Victoria: Construction Industry, Economy: Productivity
Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Senior Australians
Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Taxation
Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Responding to Exceptional Circumstances) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fuel
Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Fuel Security
Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Security
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Boswell, Hon. Ronald (Ron) Leslie Doyle, AO
Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Fiscal Policy, Defence Properties
Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
Senate · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Bondi Beach: Attack
Senate · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; In Committee
Senate · Thursday 27 November 2025 · In Committee
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Energy
Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Watson, Mr John Odin Wentworth, AM
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Aged Care
Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Opened this debate
-
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Public Consultancy and Services Contracts Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Public Consultancy and Services Contracts Bill 2025; First Reading
Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · First Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Nixon, Hon. Peter James, AO
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Eggleston, Dr Alan, AM
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union
Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Take Note Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsideration of Decisions) Bill 2024; Second Reading
Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Andrews, Hon. Kevin James, AM
Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Cost of Living
Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Answers to Questions
Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Take Note Debate
Opened this debate
- Votes recorded
- 651
- Aye votes (64.7%)
- 421
- No votes (35.3%)
- 230
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Second Read
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 30, Noes 24 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Corruption in the Construction Industry Select Committee; Appointment
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Migration
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 19, Noes 30 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Manufacturing Industry
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 20, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
ASECA Judicial Seminar; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Middle East; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 27 · Failed
VOTED NO -
North to East Australia Pipeline; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 18, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 25 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence Joint Select Committee; Appointment
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 17, Noes 26 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Improved Native Forest Management; Order for the Production of Documents
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Middle East
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Economy
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Australian Federal Police; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Trade Unions; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cybersafety Legislation; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Waste Management and Recycling; Order for the Production of Documents
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 21, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026; First Reading
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 20 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 31 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Water
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 16, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Cost of Living
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 22, Noes 32 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Digital Seller Underperformance Policy; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 32, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Care; Order for the Production of Documents
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 28 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Intergenerational Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of Nauru; Order f...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 35, Noes 19 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account)...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 24, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Th...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Se...
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 31, Noes 18 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Artificial Intelligence
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 14, Noes 24 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Li...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Limitation of Debate
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 27, Noes 36 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026; Limi...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 28, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, Cash Distribution Framework (Consequen...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Limitation ...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026, News Journalism Payments (Consequential A...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 23, Noes 35 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Capacity Investment Scheme, Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Rewiring the Nati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Climate Change; Order for the Production of Documents
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 25, Noes 34 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 26, Noes 33 · Failed
VOTED AYE -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 21 · Passed
VOTED NO -
Selection of Bills Committee; Report
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 34, Noes 26 · Passed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Richard Colbeck's parliamentary activity: questions asked and answered in Question Time, debates spoken in, and votes in divisions. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; each one links to the official record.